A sharply reduced field of contenders reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and increased caution among governments ahead of the next secretary-general selection.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Only four candidates are formally participating in this week’s public audition process to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, marking a significant drop from the larger field seen during the 2016 selection that elevated António Guterres to the role.
The candidates will take part in a series of question-and-answer sessions before representatives of the U.N.’s 193 member states, offering their perspectives on global challenges and the future direction of the organization. The process begins with Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet, followed by International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. On the second day, U.N. trade chief Rebeca Grynspan and former Senegalese president Macky Sall will appear.
The smaller number of candidates contrasts with the 13 individuals who competed in 2016, reflecting what analysts describe as a more cautious political environment. Observers point to the current global landscape—marked by heightened tensions and ongoing conflicts—as a key factor influencing the reduced participation.
Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group said the risks associated with entering the race have increased compared to a decade ago. “There was no real cost associated with losing,” he said of the 2016 contest. “This time around, potential candidates and the governments who sponsor them are much more cautious. There is a feeling that if a candidate puts a foot wrong and offends Washington or Beijing, it could cause real diplomatic damage.”
The diminished influence of the United Nations has also been cited as a factor. While the organization played a central role in advancing agreements such as the Paris climate accord and global development goals in 2016, divisions among major powers have since limited its ability to respond to conflicts in regions including Ukraine, Gaza and Iran.
Under the U.N. Charter, the secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation from the Security Council, where the five permanent members—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France—hold veto power. This structure gives those countries significant influence over the final outcome.
Regional rotation traditions have historically guided selections. With Guterres representing Europe and his predecessor Ban Ki-moon representing Asia, many expect the position to shift to Latin America. However, Eastern Europe, which has not yet held the role, remains another region of interest.
Among the candidates, Bachelet brings experience as a former president and U.N. human rights chief, though her candidacy has faced political complications after Chile’s current government withdrew its support. Grossi, nominated by Argentina, has led the International Atomic Energy Agency since 2019. Grynspan, also from Latin America, currently heads the U.N.’s trade and development body. Sall, nominated by Burundi, has not received formal backing from his home country or the African Union.
A fifth potential candidate withdrew earlier in the process, further narrowing the field.
Advocacy efforts to appoint the first female secretary-general continue, with organizations and some member states expressing support for a woman to lead the institution. Two of the four current candidates are women, though the outcome remains uncertain.
During the sessions, candidates are expected to address global conflicts, institutional reform and their leadership vision. Additional candidates may still be nominated, but historically, informal Security Council polling later in the year has served as a practical cutoff point in the selection process.
The next secretary-general will succeed Guterres when his second term concludes at the end of the year, taking office at a time of ongoing geopolitical strain and questions about the organization’s future role on the global stage.
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